Course overview

Our Finance and Management Top-up programme provides you with the opportunity complete the required 120 credits which when added to your existing qualifications amounts to the equivalent of an undergraduate degree.

If you have previously studied finance or business at an international institution or further education college and meet our entry requirements, our programme recognises that existing expertise and allows you to ‘top-up’ your knowledge. Study final year level modules to enhance your range of finance and management knowledge and practical experience, plus benefit from opportunities to engage with different business challenges, developing your confidence.  

The programme curriculum focuses on several subject-specific core areas, providing you with a solid foundation. Plus additional optional modules allow you to adapt your studies to specific business themes and interests.  

Firstly, you will analyse what makes an effective business strategy, developing your strategic thinking abilities and learning to improve your decision-making skills through reflective practice and the examination of different theories and case studies. Our exciting virtual business simulation game also provides scope to work within groups and put into practice the theory you’re learning, whilst enjoying some healthy competition!

Diverse international business cultures are examined so you can use that global view to inform your understanding of management in a global context. How are international projects managed and what are the potential challenges and risk involved is explored. You’ll discover what issues contemporary management currently faces and how the theory you are studying can be applied within organisations.  

You will examine international finance, exploring the foreign exchange market to understand how currencies are traded, and get an introduction to the different theories and models that are used to explain exchange rate behaviour.  

Risk management with derivatives is analysed so you can understand the specific techniques that rely on the use of derivative contracts such as options, forwards and futures and you’ll examine the different key factors that this is dependent on. 

The different challenges faced by developing countries operating in a global financial system centred around developed countries is evaluated. You'll explore questions such as, what are the development opportunities for these countries, what are the consequences of sovereign debt burden and crises, and how do they access finance?

You’ll consider how the economic and politic landscape has changed since Brexit - the UK’s withdrawal as a member of the European Union (EU) - such as what the pros and cons of Brexit are, and evaluate areas such as the theory around European integration and the prospects for trade relationships between the UK and the EU. 

A choice of independent study projects enables you to focus on specific themes such as managing diversity in organisations and developing a new business venture, or you could choose to undertake a consultancy project which will see you working on a ‘real’ project set by a local organisation.  

Student support 

We have a robust support system in place for our students. You will be allocated an academic mentor at the start of the programme who will review your progress, meet regularly with you, and is contactable by Teams and email. Academics can also provide guidance about specific course modules and all members of the teaching team on this programme are available to see you during office hours, if available, and by appointment.

Student Voice Representatives provide a focus for issues at module and year level.

If English is not your first language, you may be offered language classes, facilities and services by our Language Centre. There are credit bearing modules on English for academic study and you will also have access to one-to-one tutorials for individual help and advice, and to a wealth of resources for self-study and practice.

You can access advice, guidance and one-to-one support from our School's Student Experience and Support Officer who is part of our Faculty's Student Experience and Support Team.

You will also have access to a mixture of advice and support services at Keele including:

• Learning Support and Academic Guidance
• Disability Support and Inclusion
• English Language Unit
• Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
• Student Support Services
• Occupational Health Department

Keele Students' Union also offers support through their sabbatical officers.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to business is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It is also a great way to make friends and share interests with fellow students.